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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
Published on: February 29, 2020
Cerebrospinal fluid leaks complicating orbital or oculoplastic surgery
Jaime Badilla1, Peter J Dolman
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of British Columbia, 2550 Willow St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3N9, Canada.
Objectives:
To report cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage as an unusual complication following orbital or oculoplastic procedures and to describe its diagnosis and management.
Methods:
Retrospective case review.
Results:
Three cases of CSF leaks are described in patients following orbital or oculoplastic procedures. Two patients developed CSF leaks after orbital decompression surgery for compressive optic neuropathy and 1 patient had a CSF leak following endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. In the first case, high-resolution computed tomography confirmed the site of the leak that required surgical repair. In the second case, a beta(2)-transferrin test result confirmed the presence of CSF in the nasal drip, and coronal computed tomography identified a small fracture near the fovea ethmoidalis, but the leak resolved within 2 days of bed rest. In the third case, the patient reported several days of nasal dripping, but the problem had already resolved at the first follow-up appointment.
Conclusions:
A CSF leak following certain orbital and oculoplastic procedures is a rare but well-recognized complication. This case report reviews the mechanisms, diagnostic techniques, and staged management of CSF leaks.
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